THE "MC"THE MASTER CONSTRUCTOR

[Laying a New Foundation for Hip-Hop Music]

Chapter 3 - Hip Hop Culture 101

AUTHOR:Ricardo J. Butler / ReAsOn DiSciPLe the ApOsToLic PoEt© SERVANT of Jesus Christ; Apostle and Founder of:MIC Assembly Network Equipping Ministries: http://micassemblyorl.webs.com/MIC Assembly Kingdom Network: http://micassemblynetwork.ning.com/(NEW!!!)The Master Constructor Resources LLC: http://masterconstructor.webs.com/Armoy Beats Productions: http://www.soundclick.com/armorybeats

"Preparing God’s Church for His End-Time Move!" (Ephesians 4:11-16).

The "MC" (The Master Constructor)Copyright © 2010 by MIC Assembly NetworkAll rights reserved 2350 South Conway Road Orlando, Florida 32812, United States of America 1st Printing 2011 Published by Written Not With Ink Publishing E-mail Address: micassemblyorl@gmail.comAll rights reserved under International Copyright Law.

1. The Golden Era2. The 90s3. The Biggie/Tupac War4. Hip Hop Goes Mainstream5. Attack from the Underground6. Holy Hip Hop Culture7. God's Pattern For Hip Hop8. FIVE Elements?9. Joseph and Paul10. David and John11. Moses and Apollos12. Joshua and Phillip

1

13. Solomon and Peter14. The Fifth Element15. The Five Fingers of the Hand16. Five Smooth Stones

The Golden Era

"Hip-hop was set out in the dark..." We've all heard that famous line by MC Shan on the song "The Bridge." But do you see what the end of this verse says, "... IN THE DARK!" Yes, "... in the dark." What does this remind me of?

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; AND DARKNESS was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." (Genesis 1:1-2).

We are going to come back to this verse much, much later.

The birth of hip-hop is debated between either 1973 by the Zulu Nation and 1978 by a Jamaican DJ named Kool Herc or Clive Campbell

My purpose with this chapter is not to cover all the aspects of hip-hop. I'm just going to try to cover some significant highlights that have affected the hip-hop culture and even me during those time periods.

I covered some of the 80s era of hip-hop in my testimony and in the "About the Author" section. I talked about how it influenced me even when I wasn't rapping yet.

The popular radio station that had emerged here in Orlando, Florida was WJHM 102 Jamz. Records were still pretty popular. Tapes were starting to change that.

Due to the fact that I grew up in the south, the more popular artists out here were DJ Magic Mike, DJ Laz, 2 Live Crew just to name a few. But the more lyrical side of hip-hop caught my attention. Artist such as Big Daddy Kane, Eric B & Rakim, female MC Lyte and Salt & Pepa, even J.J. Fad.

It seemed that back then most rappers were called "MC" so-and-so or "Fresh" this or "Cool" that. And we seemed to have had a lot of "Ice's" too.

I'm just flashing out a few names. I don't want to get into everybody that came out during that time. I just want to paint a picture or bring you back to those times of the 80s. I am pretty sure each and every one of you can name many, many more.

2

The 90s

I personally believe the 90s were the greater years. Especially from 1993 to 1996. Some of the best albums came out those years. Some of the greatest artists popped on the scene then.

The Wu-Tang Clan came out and hit the industry hard! They brought out a new album or artist from their camp every month! My family two were Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... and Ironman.

But the artist that inspired me the most, the artist that birthed me into writing was Nasir Jones. That Illmatic was a whole new level for me! I loved Slick Rick and Erick Sermon but Nas was like the new version of these artists.

I already talked a lot about Nas in my testimony, so I will not talk anymore about him right now. But I will say another major influence was Gangstarr. What! DJ Premier, also known as Primo and Guru, the Jazz Master. These dudes were on another level with it too.

Mobb Deep brought The Infamous and then Hell on Earth albums that molded me a lot too as a kid. Kool G. Rap, though an old school artist, was still blazing like he was a new artist. His word play and rhyme scheme was still up to date. So was Nas' rhyme partner AZ.

Some of the groups that I loved were Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Onyx, and the Boot Camp Clik with Buckshot, Smif N Wessun, Heltah Skeltah, and O.G.C.

The west coast was bringing out Snoop Dogg at the time with Dr. Dre behind the boards, which was of that old school group NWA. They were recreating a new sound out there.

And down south around 1996, Outkast was hitting with their second album (which was my favorite of all their work) ATLiens. That was a classic!

The Biggie/Tupac War

You all know the story. I don't have to show you how ugly hip-hop can get. The story of both of these two lyrical titans made it unto the TV show called Unsolved Mysteries.

I don't remember where I was when Biggie died, but I do remember where I was when Tupac Died. It was a late night and I was walking to the Boys and Girls Club, well actually the Engelwood Neighborhood Center. That night they were having their basketball nights. I believe DJ Jimmy Jamz from the radio station, 102 Jamz was out there that night. I usually just go to hang out with my hip-hop

3

buddy and former group member of Mental Dizkreshon, Mygrane McNastee.

It was the same night that I saw an exploding star in the sky. I was maybe sixteen or seventeen at the time. As I was on my way to my destination and gazing at the star that was disappearing, I was listening to the radio (back when you could still listen to good hip-hop on the radio), and I heard the DJ for 102 Jamz come on. He came on with the saddest voice and announced Tupac's death. I was bugging out! I ran the rest of the way to the center.

As soon as I got there I ran in the gym yelling,

"Tupac is dead! Tupac is dead!"

Everybody was like, "What!"

All who had a radio or a walkman or who even had their cars parked out front ran to listened in.

You see Tupac had been shot a few days earlier. He was sitting in the hospital for internal bleeding and the doctors couldn't stop it. Boy it shocked the hip-hop culture far and wide.

All at the time the East Coast--West Coast beef was going on of course. I, by default sided with the East Coast, even though down the line years later I considered and confessed Pac to be the better MC.

I don't think I've ever let anyone know that though back then. Biggie's rhyme scheme was too simple to me. I liked more of the lyrical word play type styles like Nas and Kool G. Rap.

I just thought Tupac to be more lyrical than Biggie. At the time I just hated Pac because he dissed Nas on a record. It really had nothing to do with Biggie as to why I even sided with the East Coast. Technically, I'm in Orlando, Florida where we are considered the dirty south some years later.

Hip Hop Goes Mainstream

I personally believed that after the death of Biggie and Pac, hip-hop went more mainstream. A lot of people blame the south for dumbing down the music. But at the time (around 1997) the south wasn't even popping' like that to impact the hip-hop culture.

I believe that from the death of these two brothers that the industry felt to change the image of hip-hop. So cats like Puff Daddy (now called P. Daddy) and Jay-Z,

4

plus many, many others started to make more party-styled club jams.

I also believe that the radio changed their policies to promote non-aggressive music in an attempt to regulate the music. Do you see what just happened? A CONTROL (bondage) system was set up to crack down on violence so that it would make hip-hop conform to the pop-standards of other genres. This was the end to "freedom of expression" to prevent a repeat of what took place with the Biggie and Pac feud and the East Coast--West Coast beef. And with that artists found themselves forged into a dilemma to "keep it real" or "sell out" by conforming to those rules of regulations of a new music industry system. You will even notice many of the underground artists using the term "The Matrix" to describe what has happened to the hip-hip music industry.

For example: To get the A&Rs to hear an album, brothers were required to make a couple of "hit records" to figure the response from the masses. This composed of producing something that was “radio friendly” and/or “club bouncy." If the people could dance to it and understand the simple word play in the verses to sing it, then that's what they wanted.

No lie, I even sold out for a hot second with the hopes to "get on." But I felt extremely uncomfortable and out of my element to conform to the industries new standards! My style back then was either gangsta rap or the more real lyrical word play.

I felt if any record label fit my style it would have been Rawkus Records. But on the mainstream side a lot of people were calling me the fifth member of the Roc. At the time they only had Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek, Beanie Sigel, and Amil. Others would say, as far as the gangsta side, I would sound good on, believe it or not, G-Unit Records.

Attack From the Underground

As we make it through this new millennium early, the music fans have been fed up with the music scene. Tension has been brewing about going back to the old days of '93 to '95.

The underground started building again the ruined places. Groups like Little Brother and the Justus League started popping up. Producers like 9th Wonder, Khrysis, Soul Theory, and Timeless Beats started popping up. Some other groups started to make a comeback like the Wu-Tang Clan, Dilated Peoples, the whole Boot Camp Clik, etc.

That's when my ears started perking up. Hope was creeping back into the hearts of emcees and lyricists everywhere. Even the spoken word artists were on their toes in anticipation.

5

While Nas was making the Hip Hop Is Dead album, new cats like Skyzoo were making an album like The Salvation. Royce da 5'9" put out Street Hop. Slaughterhouse, the new super group he is in (who recently signed with Shady Records) was putting out crazy mix tapes. Even I came out with the R.A.P. Music (Rhythm And Poetry) album in an attempt to restore hip-hop, but from God's point of view.

My other brothers in Christ like Knaladeus (formerly known as Knawledge), Sincere, and Rich "The Bear" are trying to bring back to true essence pure emceeing.

Again, we all believe in versatility and all different types of genres and styles of hip-hop. But we also feel that the industry should not make all artists jump on the bandwagon of a trend or a specific genre when that particular wind blows it in.

I believe an artist, of any musical genre, can be versatile within the context of who he or she is, plus what they are trying to do in the music industry. And that's my purpose and mandate from God to first and foremost, of course, the Hip-Hop Culture.

"For by Jesus were ALL were created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible [that includes hip-hop] ALL WERE CREATED BY JESUS, AND FOR JESUS: And Jesus is before all, and by Jesus all things hold together. And Jesus is the Head of the body, the church: Jesus is the Beginning, the Firstborn from the dead; that in all [including music] Jesus might have first place in rank and order. And God, having made peace through the blood of Jesus' cross, by Jesus to reconcile ALL things [INCLUDING THE HIP-HOP ARTIST]unto Himself; by Jesus, I say, whether they be things in earth [physical and can effect the five senses], or things in heaven [spiritual/invisible like wind, words, and thoughts]." (Author’s paraphrase of Colossians 1:16-20).

If you analyze everything I wrote in the brackets, hip-hop music was also created by God. So obviously there is a purpose for it.

"To EVERY THING [including hip-hop] there is a season [Heb: 'An appointed occasion:--season, time. To fix (a time):--appointment'], and a time [Heb: 'due season'] to EVERY PURPOSE [Heb: 'Pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind):--acceptable, delight, delightsome, desire, things desired, matter, pleasant, pleasure, purpose'] under the heaven."(Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Not only do I believe like Moses was given a pattern of what the Tabernacle 6

should look like (Exodus 25:40). I believe God has a PATTERN for hip-hop and for any and all music genres outlined in the hidden wisdom and principles (hidden as buried treasure) all over His Word--The Bible. God is a God of ORDER!

I believe there are types and foreshadows in the Old and New Testament that have not been revealed to most in the church, in the past recent years of how music in general should be conducted. Even the "holy" hip-hop culture has not found a good many of these nuggets of truths.

In the book of Acts, Peter says something that hit me like a brick. The Spirit revealed to me something very foundational and absolute according to God's Kingdom concerning music.

I believe this is the key that God has given me and probably a few others in the body of Christ worldwide for restoring hip-hop, not only to it's original format, but to a better format.

It's like the Garden of Eden was when hip-hop first came about compared to God's Kingdom order--New Jerusalem--that He restores in Revelation 21:21-22. It will be much better than the original since the coming of Christ. What's that Scripture say in Haggai?

"The glory of this latter house SHALL BE GREATER THAN OF THE FORMER, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts." (Haggai 2:9).

Though this verse is talking about the church there are many other places where God makes comparisons between what He did of Old with what He will do in the New.

But back to Peter's statement. He said by inspiration of the Spirit on Pentecost,

“Repent you therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive UNTIL THE TIMES OF RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” (Acts 3:19-21).

Notice that Peter refers to the Coming of Christ (vs. 19) as “the presence [appearance] of the Lord.” Verse 20 states that God “shall send [Gk: 'to send out (properly on a mission)--the GREAT commission'] Jesus Christ.” Verse 21 describes God’s kingdom as the “restitution [Gk: 'restoration again (in health, home or organization)'] of all things.” Peter stated that this “restitution”

7

(Christ establishing His kingdom) is something “God has spoken by the mouth of all His Holy Prophets since the world began [Gk: '(beginning of the) eon, age, period'].”

This is a stunning statement! But is it true? All things include Hip-Hop or else God wouldn't have inspired the word "ALL!"

Let see some other translations of this verse.

"Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and He [God] will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. For HE MUST REMAIN IN HEAVEN UNTIL THE TIME FOR THE RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS, AS GOD PROMISED LONG AGO through His holy prophets." (Acts 3:19-21, NLT).

"Now it's time to change your ways! Turn to face God so He can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you, and send you the Messiah He prepared for you, namely, Jesus. For the time being HE MUST REMAIN OUT OF SIGHT IN HEAVEN UNTIL EVERYTHING IS RESTORED TO ORDER AGAIN just the way God, through the preaching of His holy prophets of old, said it would be."(The Message Bible).

WOW! Have you ever read that verse? Jesus IS NOT SUPPOSE TO COME BACK UNTIL ALL THINGS ARE RESTORED TO GOD'S ORDER FIRST! Hip-hop falls in the category of "EVERYTHING."

I actually did a sermon on this at our first public church service at MIC Assembly Orlando Hip-Hop Church. It was Passover (Easter for everybody else) Sunday.

I borrowed excerpts from the sermons of the pastor of Saddleback Church, Rick Warren's "God’s Vision For The Rest of Your Life" and David C. Pack, pastor and apostle over the Restored Church of God entitled "God's Government."

But I titled my version of these sermons "Restoring God's Purpose for the Hip Hopper"

I believe God is going to restore His purpose for hip-hop, especially as a ministry and tool to reach out. And He is going to raise up apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists, pastors, elders/bishops, deacons, and the priesthood of the believers as a whole new "Joshua" generation of followers of Christ to reach out to the hip-hop culture like He is doing on all fronts against Satan's kingdom.

8

But before I get into how He's going to do that, let's cover what's wrong with Christian rap, commonly called "holy hip hop" today in God's Church.

Holy Hip Hop Culture

Ah man, where do I start? The first thing I will say about “Holy” Hip Hop is this: I wish I never had the chance to hear any of it.

I mean really, what makes it “holy”? Does putting “holy” on the front of it like a title make hip-hop any more purer or distinct from the other hip-hop genres and subgenres? Is it some kind of way to “set us apart” or “sanctify” ourselves from the rest of the culture. Is it a CULT-ture all by itself (pun intended)?

Is this how we are to be different from the world? Is this what Jesus meant when He said,

“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:16)?

What does the church as a whole mean when they say, “While we must be IN the world, we don’t have to be OF the world”?

I at one time believed all this Mystery Babylonian nonsense. It’s hogwash! It’s dung as Paul calls it! There is nothing at all “holy” about hip-hop. So why do we call it “Holy” Hip Hop? Muslims don’t call hip-hop Allah Music. Nor does any other religious rapper classify themselves by their beliefs.

Hip-hop cannot become “holy”, only the artists can. And even if Jesus converted every hip hop artist that ever existed, I’m pretty sure it would still be called hip-hop. And yes, even without the “holy” attached.

Now I don’t see anything wrong with calling ourselves Christian artists. Because we are Christians who are artists. But to totally call a totally corrupt culture “Holy” is an oxymoron. It’s a contradiction. It’s square circles.

We don’t need to use “holy” titles to separate ourselves from the world. Jesus said it Himself. We are set apart by Jesus’ Word [Truth] made flesh or manifested in our walk reflecting His character in all that we do, say, and think. That, my brothers and sisters in Christ is how we are to be separated, sanctified, or made “holy.”

Self classification does not produce sanctification.

So how does hip-hop become “holy”? I’m not going to get into that here, because it will be covered as this book unfolds God’s revelations from me to you. But for

9

now I will give you two Scriptural hints.

Paul says,

“Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are His. And, let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.” (2nd

Timothy 2:19-22).

Paul also says,

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that all of you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be all of you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that all of you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2).

The changing of hip-hop starts with you, the artist. The change first must start IN you, in your heart. God has to do some work, because you cannot offer to God’s people the change that hip-hop needs if you have not been changed.

You cannot give away what you do not have. And you can only produce fruit (converts, disciples) after your kind and likeness. All the talk through our words holds no weight. Jesus says in Matthew 7:15-20,

“Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don't be impressed with charisma [natural talent and spiritual gifting]; look for character [spiritual fruit of love, faith, hope]. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.”(The Message Bible).

God's Pattern For Hip Hop

What I'm about to do now is give you a view behind the veil of God. This is what I believe will be God's pattern for, not just hip-hop music in the church, but all music genres. The same principles applies to all of these since it's all music.

10

You can call this a "hint." I will not go into full detail until the next chapter when we talk about the Davidical Pattern.

You all will have to bear with me for a while because I am going to bounce around in the Word of God to put the pieces of the puzzle together. I am going to paint a picture. I am going to lay a foundation on which to build. I'm going to go from the Old to the New Testament to the hip-hop music industry to personal testimony and many other experiences. So PLEASE excuse me if this presentation is a little sloppy. Hey! I'm only human.

Anyway, let's paint a simple picture. The Bible speaks of in several places, that the things that are written in the Old Testament were physical examples, types, foreshadows, metaphors, allegories, proverbs, and parables of what God was going to do with the church in the Spirit and in the world. I am going to use the "Twelve Truths to Understanding His Word" put together by L. Ray Smith off his ministry website called "Exposing Those Who Contradict" (http://bible-truths.com/). These twelve principles in God's Word is how I will attempt to put together God's Pattern for the music industry, especially concerning the church. Truth Number 1 The Natural First Then the Spiritual

"If I have told you EARTHLY [PHYSICAL] things [first], and you believe not, how shall you believe, if I tell you of HEAVENLY [SPIRITUAL] things [truths or realities afterward]?" (John 3:12). "... seeing that there are priests that offer gifts ACCORDING TO THE LAW [of Moses, the Old Covenant, the PHYSICAL/carnal commandments]: Who serve unto THE EXAMPLE AND SHADOW OF HEAVENLY THINGS [SPIRITUAL REALITIES] ..." (Hebrews 8:4-5). "For the law [the PHYSICAL/carnal commandments] having A SHADOW of GOOD [SPIRITUAL] THINGS TO COME, and NOT the very image of the [SPIRITUAL] things ..." (Hebrews 10:1). "Let no man therefore judge you in [PHYSICAL] meat, or in [PHYSICAL] drink, or in respect of an [PHYSICAL] holyday, or of the [PHYSICAL] new moon, or of the [PHYSICAL] Sabbath days: WHICH ARE A [PHYSICAL] SHADOW OF [SPIRITUAL] THINGS TO COME; but the [SPIRITUAL] body is of Christ [SPIRITUAL]." (Colossians 2:16-17).

And here's this same verse translated in today's English

"Therefore no one has the authority to say that you're right or wrong about what you're eating or drinking, or what you're doing about a

11

religious festival or a new moon festival or a day of rest. These things are just a shadowy picture of things to come. BUT THE PERSON CASTING THAT SHADOW IN CHRIST." (Colossians 2:16-17, Everyday American English Translation).

The sequence of God’s plan of salvation for mankind is most important—First is the physical and then comes the spiritual. Truth Number 2 Jesus Spoke in Parables ONLY

"All these things spoke Jesus unto the multitude in PARABLES; and without a parable spoke He [Jesus] not unto them: THAT IT MIGHT BE FULFILLED which was spoken by [Asaph; A Levite; one of the leaders of David's choir] the prophet [he was actually a poet and singer], saying [from Psalm 78:2], I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world." (Matt. 13:34-35). "But without a PARABLE spoke He [Jesus] not unto them…" (Mark 4:34). "And He [Jesus] taught them many things BY PARABLES, and said unto them IN HIS DOCTRINE." (Mark 4:2).

Jesus taught in parables only, and no one understood His parables, hence Jesus taught in a way that He knew no one would understand His message. This truth of Scripture is so revolutionary to the minds of most Christians that many will think it blasphemy, and yet the Scriptures abound with statements that fully support it. Not only is the Bible a giant parable, but, all creation is a giant parable. Is it not real? Oh, it is real all right. But what we see, hear, and feel, in this physical universe, is not the lasting spiritual reality of God’s purpose for creation. In parables, the literalness of the words is but a symbol that stands for something spiritual and grand. The physical words of all parables will pass away, however, the spiritual fulfillment of those physical words will never pass away. This is another marvelous spiritual principal of understanding and wisdom.

"That seeing they may see, and not perceive: and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted and their sins should be forgiven them. And He said unto them. Know ye not THIS parable? And how then will you know all parables?" (Mark 4:12-13).

Say, did you get that? If you would know but one parable, you would know

12

all parables! This is because all parables are speaking of the same subject, just presented from different perspectives. Wouldn’t you just love to know just one parable so that you could know all parables? What is so utterly amazing is that not only does the Church not understand all of the parables of Jesus, but, they do not even understand the parables which Jesus explained. I assure you that I am as serious as I could ever be when I say that. But for now, just understand, that Jesus’ entire ministry was preached in such a way that no one would understand Him, except to those very few to whom it was later (much later—see Truth Number 3) given to understand. Pray that God will grant you spiritual understanding of His parables, or you too, will "…understand not." Truth Number 3 Understanding God's Words are for Those who come AFTER Christ's life, death and Resurrection, not before

"But the natural [carnal, worldly, material, literal/physical thinking] man receives not the [spiritual] things of the SPIRIT of God: for they [the SPIRITUAL things] are foolishness unto him [the carnal/natural man]: neither can he know them, because they are SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED" (1 Cor. 2:14). "These things UNDERSTOOD NOT His disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, THEN REMEMBERED they [the twelve disciples] that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things unto Him." (John 12:16). "When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the Word [of God] which Jesus had said." (John 2:22). "And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you ..." (John 14:29-30).

I apologize for the length of these rather technical sections on the Scriptures, but I am trying to make it as simple as I can. We are going to really get down to the nuts and bolts; the nitty and the gritty of True Scriptural Doctrine. The Scriptures tell us that the Kingdom of the Heavens is like a treasure hid in a field. This parable tells us that the spiritual treasures of God’s Word must be sought after with great diligence. People don’t leave treasures lying around in open fields for all to take at their leisure. And remember it is God Who has hidden these spiritual treasures.

13

"It is the glory of God to CONCEAL a thing: but the honor of kings is to SEARCH OUT a matter." (Proverbs 25:2).

The Church does not believe that these treasures are hidden at all. That is why they are deceived by their unscriptural belief that the Bible is to be taken "literally," and that everything is only understood in "context, context, context." They refuse to believe that Jesus spoke in parables to hide the meaning of His teachings. They refuse to believe that it is God Himself who deceives the false prophets:

"And if the prophet be deceived when he has spoken a thing, I the Lord have deceived that prophet" (Ezek. 14:9).

Stay with it. Don’t give up, thinking that this is too complicated. Read it over and over and over again, and it will begin to show crystal clear. Truth Number 4 Jesus Prefigures ALL and Fulfilled ALL

"And beginning at Moses and all the prophets ['IF THEY HEAR NOT Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one (Jesus) rose from the dead.' (Luke 16:31)], ['But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament (Moses and all the Prophets); which VEIL IS DONE AWAY IN CHRIST. But even unto this day, when Moses (the Old Testament) is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it (the heart) shall TURN TO THE LORD, THE VEIL SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY.' (2 Cor. 3:14-16)] He [Jesus] expounded [defined, explained] unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning HIMSELF." (Luke 24:27). "Think not that I [Jesus] am come to destroy the law [of Moses], or the prophets [the WHOLE Old Covenant]: I [Jesus] am not come to destroy, but to FULFILL" (Matt. 5:17). "I [Jesus] was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye [all of you] took Me not: but the Scriptures MUST BE FULFILLED" (Mark 14:49). "After this, Jesus knowing that ALL THINGS were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be FULFILLED, said, I thirst" (John 19:28).

Contained in these few Scriptures is the reason why the Church has not a clue as to what the plan and purpose of God is, or how the Scriptures are applied to the working out of that purpose. How did Jesus "fulfill" the Scriptures? By fulfilling the 44 Scriptures listed in the back of Strong’s Concordance concerning the coming Messiah? Forty-four Scriptures only? Those 44 Scriptures are truly,

14

not even the tip of the iceberg. What Christ did could not be put into books—the whole [kosmos] could not contain it.

"And there are also MANY other things which Jesus did, the which, if they [THE MANY OTHER THINGS JESUS DID] should be written EVERY ONE, I suppose that even the world [kosmos] itself COULD NOT CONTAIN THE BOOKS that should be written. Amen." (John 21:25).

Jesus did not fulfill the sacrificed sin offering only. Jesus was not merely one offering, but the many offerings, burnt offerings, the meat offering, the peace offerings, the trespass offering, and the sin offering. Jesus also prefigured the priest doing the offering, the meaning of each offering, the compartments and furniture of the tabernacle, the bread, the candles, the curtain, the ark of the covenant, the tabernacle itself, Jesus was Adam. Jesus was also Joseph, Moses, Joshua, King David, Solomon (We are going to talk A LOT about these FIVE characters in the next section), and the whole nation of Israel—Jesus prefigures all and FULFILLED ALL. No one could comprehend every verse in the Old Testament Scriptures that represented Jesus, but they could learn the PRINCIPLE by which Jesus fulfilled all the law and all the prophets. And that is how the apostles and the two disciples on the road to Emmaus had their understanding of the Scriptures opened in just a very short time. When the Scriptures speak of Israel they speak of Jesus, and when they speak of Jesus they speak of us, for "…as Jesus is, so are we in the world" (1st John 4:17). Truth Number 5 The Word of God Pertains to a HIGHER SPIRITUAL Meaning than the Physical Examples

"IT IS THE SPIRIT THAT QUICKENETH [GIVES LIFE AND SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING]; THE FLESH PROFITETH NOTHING: THE [SPIRITUAL] WORDS [OF GOD] [like wheat, chaff, tares, seed, fish, leaven, light, salt, rock, sand, wine, treasure, sons, harvest, Samaritan, physician, sheep, pearl, servants, trees, virgins, talents, vineyards, wedding, supper, coin, talents, lake of fire, hell, heaven, earth, sea, candlesticks] THAT I SPEAK UNTO YOU, THEY ARE SPIRIT, AND THEY ARE LIFE." (John 6:63). "And my [Paul's] speech and my [Paul's] preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but [Paul's preaching was] in demonstration [of the words] OF THE SPIRIT and [of the words] of power. [In short, Paul's speech and preaching has to be in demonstration

15

of the Word's of Spiritual wisdom in Paul's speech and Spiritual power in Paul's preaching.]" (1st Corinthians 2:4). "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but [we speak the SPIRITUAL words] which the HOLY GHOST [Spirit] TEACHETH; comparing [Gk: 'matching'] SPIRITUAL things WITH SPIRITUAL." (1st Corinthians 2:13). "[God] Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not [ministers] of the letter [of the Law of Moses in the Old Testament], but [able ministers of the New Testament] OF THE SPIRIT: for the letter [of the Law of Moses in the Old Testament] killeth, but the SPIRIT [of the New Testament] giveth life." (2nd Corinthians 3:6). "He that hath [been given] an [spiritual] ear, let him [spiritually] hear what the Spirit saith [is SPIRITUALLY saying] unto the [SPIRITUAL] churchES [the seven complete churches of God's WHOLE CHURCH throughout all generations]." (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). "The SPIRIT itself beareth witness with our spirit" (Romans 8:16). "And it is the SPIRIT that beareth witness [Gk: 'good (honest) report'], because the Spirit is truth." (1st John 5:6).

Everything from Genesis to Revelation pertains to a higher SPIRITUAL meaning than the physical examples, parables, metaphors, allegories, stories and symbols in which they are written. "Let us make man in Our Image" (Gen. 1:26) are words of SPIRIT: "…Surely I come quickly…" (Rev. 22:20) are words of SPIRIT. The day that we fail to believe Jesus when He tells us that His words "are SPIRIT," is the day that we will fail to understand anything spiritual. The words of Jesus are not to be taken literally, physically, materially, carnally. All of Jesus’ teachings are SPIRITUAL. I will keep this section short, as this principle overlaps with all of the rest of the principles. Truth Number 6 We are to Have at Least a Second Witness to Establish a Scriptural Truth or Doctrine

"… that in the mouth of TWO OR THREE WITNESSES every word may be established" (Matt. 18:16). "… In the mouth of TWO OR THREE WITNESSES shall every word be established" (2nd Corinthians 13:1).

16

"... at the mouth of TWO WITNESSESS, or at the mouth of THREE WITNESSESS, shall the matter be established." (Deuteronomy 19:15).

This particular law of Scripture is constantly violated. We are to have at least a second witness to establish a Scriptural truth or doctrine. Unfortunately, the Church does not follow this truth of God in establishing doctrine. Truth be known, orthodoxy has not even one witness to support any of their doctrines! Jesus tells us in parable of two great witnesses:

"Then said He unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which brings forth out of his treasure, NEW AND OLD" (Matt. 13:52).

What "new and old" treasures do "scribes" preserve for us regarding the "kingdom of heaven?" Why the NEW Covenant Scriptures and the OLD Covenant Scriptures, of course. And both the Old (Deut. 17:6 & 19:15), and the New (2nd Corinthians 13:1 & Matt. 18:16) command that we must have two witnesses to establish every Word of God. Truth Number 7 There is a Spiritual SCRIPTURAL Match for every symbol in the Word of God

"Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches; COMPARING [or ‘matching’] SPIRITUAL THINGS WITH SPIRITUAL" (1st Corinthians 2:13). "And to this AGREE the words of the prophets; as it is written…" (Acts 15:15). "But the Word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little ..." (Isaiah 28:13).

The purpose for comparing spiritual with spiritual is to find a spiritual match. There is a spiritual match for every symbol in the book of Revelation. This is a powerful truth that will open the whole Bible to us. In the previous truth we learned the need for two witnesses. In this truth we will learn the need for those two witnesses to be a "spiritual match." Let’s now "spiritually match" two witnesses and see the marvelous eye-opening result.

"Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom

17

teacheth [not by comparing physical things with physical things], but which the HOLY SPIRIT TEACHES; COMPARING [OR MATCHING] SPIRITUAL THINGS WITH SPIRITUAL" (1st Corinthians 2:13)!

This is really quite profound. This marvelous Scripture, plus all the prior Scriptures will open up understanding to us that has been closed to many Christians for two thousand years. Question: As the world of Christendom predominantly believes that the Bible is to be taken literally, how pray tell is it even within the realm of possibility for them to compare ANYTHING "spiritual with spiritual" from the Scriptures? Truth Number 8 Now All These Things Happened unto them for Examples: and they are Written for OUR [God's Church's] Admonition

"Now ALL these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for OUR ADMONITION [Gk: 'calling attention to, i.e. (implication) mild rebuke or warning:--to reprove, caution, remind of obligation or duty, etc'], upon whom the ends of the world [‘eons—ages’] are come" (1st Corinthians 10:11). "Now these things were OUR EXAMPLES, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted" (1st Corinthians 10:6). "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for OUR LEARNING, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (Rom. 15:4). "Unto whom it was revealed, that NOT unto themselves, but unto US they did minister the things, which are now reported unto YOU by them that have preached the gospel unto YOU with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. Wherefore gird up the loins of YOUR mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the GRACE that is to be brought unto YOU [not ‘them’—they DIED not receiving the promises made to them] at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 1:12-13). "These ALL [the OLD Covenant Saints] DIED IN FAITH, NOT HAVING RECEIVED THE PROMISES… For they that say such things declare plainly that they SEEK a country… they DESIRE a better country, that is a HEAVENLY… And ALL THESE, having obtained a good report through faith, RECEIVED NOT THE PROMISE: God having provided something better thing FOR US, that THEY without US should NOT BE MADE perfect" (Hebrews 11:13-14, 16, & 39-40).

18

"This shall be written FOR THE GENERATION TO COME: and the people which SHALL BE [FUTURE] created ['... put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that CREATED him.' (Col. 3:10) & '... ye put on the new man, which after God is CREATED in righteousness and true holiness.' (Eph. 4:24)] shall praise the LORD." (Psalm 102:18). "Let Me tell YOU what's going on here: No one in history [in the past, under the Old Covenant] surpasses John the Baptizer; BUT IN THE KINGDOM [TO COME] HE PREPARED YOU FOR, THE LOWLIEST PERSON IS A AHEAD OF HIM." (Matthew 11:11, The Message).

It is essential that we study the Old Testament Scriptures, for they are often the only key to the New Testament Scriptures. Paul used the Hebrew Scriptures to teach the foolish Galatians the New Covenant promises. The Truth of God, "thou shall sureLY die," and the lie of the Devil, "you shall NOT surely die," is for "our admonition." The story of Cain and Able is for "our admonition." The story of the flood is for "our admonition." The story of Babel is for "our admonition." The promises to Abraham and the meaning of faith are for "our admonition." The entire story in every single detail of Joseph and his brothers is for "our admonition." Do you wear your "coat of many colors," or do you hide it in the closet? You say: "What coat of many colors?" Forget it—ask your pastor why he has never taught you how to wear your coat of many colors? Truth Number 9 No Scripture Standing Alone is the Interpretation of itself

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy [inspired writing or speaking] of the Scripture is of any private [Gk: ‘its OWN’] interpretation" (2 Pet. 1:20). "To understand a proverb, AND THE INTERPRETATION [or ‘puzzle’—the proverb itself is not also the interpretation] …" (Proverbs 1:6). "Are you able to make known unto me THE DREAM which I have seen, AND THE INTERPRETATION thereof [the dream does not interpret itself]? ... and THE DREAM is certain, AND THE INTERPRETATION thereof sure. And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, AND DISSOLVE DOUBTS: now if thou canst READ THE WRITINGS, AND MAKE KNOWN to me THE INTERPRETATIONS thereof" (Dan. 2:26 & 45; 5:16). "And it was so, when Gideon HEARD THE TELLING OF THE DREAM,

19

AND THE [TELLING OF THE] INTERPRETATION THEREOF [the dream does not interpret itself], that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel." (Judges 7:15). "Knowing this first, that no prophecy [inspired writing or speaking] of the Scripture is of any private [Gk: ‘its OWN’] interpretation" (2 Pet. 1:20).

"Own" is a little closer to the Greek in this verse than is the word "private." A few examples of how the Greek word, idios, is used in other Scriptures will show this more clearly. In a few cases it should be translated "private," as in,

"… the disciples came unto Him privately" (Matt. 24:3).

But more than 70 times it is translated "own" as in:

Matt. 9:1 "…and came into his own city [Gk: idios—not ‘private’ city]." John 4:44 "…has honor in his own country [Gk: idios—not "private’ country]." 1 Pet. 3:5 "…unto their own husbands [Gk: idios—not their ‘private’ husbands]."

The KJV is not the best translation of this verse—it is neither by far the worst. The word "private" tends to fog the understanding of this Scripture. If no Scripture is to be of a "private" interpretation, are we to look for a "PUBLIC" interpretation? That sounds silly. This is a profoundly important verse when it comes to interpreting Scripture. Yet, I doubt that there are many who understand this verse. The Greek word translated "private" in the KJV is the word idios, and although it can mean private or separate, more specifically it has reference to "one’s OWN" or "his OWN" or "their OWN" or "your OWN" or "OWN." In this case, it would mean "ITS own" as a prophecy is non-personal and inanimate. See Strong’s Greek Dictionary p. 119. Now notice a couple of translations that retain this definition: First from the Concordant Greek Text in an "Ultraliteral English Sublinear": "…this BEFORE-most KNOWING that EVERY BEFORE-AVERment OF-WRITing OWN ON-LOOSing NOT IS-BECOMING." Rendered in the Translation as: "…knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture at all is becoming its OWN explanation."—Concordant Literal New

20

Testament Next from the Emphatic Diaglott English Interlineary: "…this first knowing, that all prophecy of a writing, of its OWN loosing not it is." Rendered in the Translation as: "This first ascertaining, That All Prophecy of Scripture is not of its OWN Solution"—The Emphatic Diaglott, A New Emphatic Version. I go to all these extra efforts of showing you the Greek so that you can be convinced yourself and not just believe that this is "my interpretation" of how a verse can or cannot be "interpreted." So now we can make sense out of this verse, and how profound it is. It destroys the carnal minded approach to Scriptural interpretation. So here is what God is teaching us. No prophetic statement (Revelation is prophecy—See Rev. 22:18, "…the words of the prophecy of this scroll") has within its OWN statement the explanation and fulfillment of that statement. Therefore it is wrong and unscriptural to insist that the very verse that contains the prophecy (such as "the lake of fire. This is the second death") has within itself the interpretation of itself. Why is no Scripture its OWN interpretation, we might ask? To protect the integrity of the Scriptures, for one thing. ALL twelve of these spiritual principles are to be used together in explaining the Scriptures. If every Scripture or even any Scripture can be its "own interpretation," then we wouldn’t need the other eleven principles. How can a Scripture be its own interpretation when we are told to "compare or MATCH spiritual with spiritual?" One standing alone cannot at the same time be a match to something else. Why then the need for "TWO witnesses" if each Scripture fully interprets itself? No, everyone one of the principles that we are presenting is of paramount importance. That’s what God has now taught us in 2 Pet. 1:20! Therefore, we must go elsewhere to find the correct interpretation. But how do we do that without making blunders and mistakes? Have you not read:

"Unto whom it was revealed, that NOT unto themselves, but unto US [‘Now ALL these things happened unto them for examples, and they are written for OUR admonition, upon whom the ends of the eons are come’ 1 Cor. 10:11] they did minister the things, which are now reported unto YOU by them that have preached the gospel unto YOU with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. Wherefore gird up the loins of YOUR mind, be sober, and hope

21

to the end for the GRACE that is to be brought unto YOU [not ‘them’—they DIED not receiving the promises made to them] at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 1:12-13).

Second Witness:

"But blessed are YOUR eyes, for they see: and YOUR ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto YOU, That many prophets [Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Samuel, Nathan, Elijah, etc] and righteous men [Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon, Abraham, Noah, Nehemiah] have DESIRED TO SEE those things which ye see, AND HAVE NOT SEEN THEM; and to hear those things which ye hear, AND HAVE NOT HEARD THEM." (Matthew 13:16-17).

Jesus Christ is the "wave sheaf" and the "first fruit," but the saints and patriarchs of old were not "first fruits" at all. Jesus, not they, was the "FIRST of the first fruits" (1 Cor. 15:20 & 23), and WE, not they, are also "first fruits" (James 1:18 & Rev. 14:4). When will we believe the Scriptures? The FIRST to be called will be the LAST TO BE SAVED, and the LAST to be called will be the FIRST TO BE SAVED (Matt. 19:30 and 20:16). My, what we can learn when we begin to obey the commandments of GOD. All Scripture is inspired, and all Scripture is true, but no one Scripture fully explains and interprets itself. Truth Number 10 ALL IS OF GOD!

"ALL is of God…" (2 Cor. 5:18). The word "things" is not in the original manuscripts. "For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things…" [Greek: ‘For out of Him, and through Him, and for Him, is ALL’—there is no word ‘things’]" (Rom. 11:36). So creation is "IN Christ," but "OUT of God." Not, out of "nothing." The universe consists of the things of God’s already eternally existing SELF. God is SPIRIT (John 4:24). And what is matter but invisible spiritual power and energy? "For it became Him, for Whom are ALL things, and by Whom are ALL things… [Greek: ‘For it became Him, because of Whom ALL is and through Whom ALL is …’—no ‘things’]" (Heb. 2:10). "For by Him were ALL things created [Greek: 'Because IN (not 'by' but 'IN') Him (Christ) is ALL (there is no word ‘things’) CREATED, that in the heavens and that on the earth...'] … ALL things were created by Him and for Him: and He is before ALL things AND BY Him, ALL things

22

consist [Gk: ‘hold together’]" (Col. 1:16 & 17). So again, creation is "IN Christ," but "OUT of God." Not, out of "nothing." The universe consists of the things of God’s already eternally existing SELF. God is SPIRIT (John 4:24). And what is matter but invisible spiritual power and energy? "For in Him we live, and move, and have our being [Gk: ‘exist’—that’s our ALL]" (Acts 17:28). "Having made known unto us the mystery of His will [God’s will is still a mystery to the world of Christendom], according to His good pleasure [‘For it is GOD which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure’—Phil. 2:13] which He has purposed in Himself [not in man’s fabled ‘free will’]: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in ONE, ALL things in Christ, both which are IN HEAVEN, and which are ON EARTH [that’s ALL the heavenly host and ALL humanity that has ever lived]; even in Him: In Whom also we have obtained an inheritance [in this age and this lifetime, ahead of the rest which must go through judgment first], being predestined according to the purpose of Him [not by the ‘maybe yes/maybe no’ uncertain shaky possibility of man’s supposed free will] [GOD] Who works ALL THINGS after the counsel of HIS OWN WILL" (Ephesians 1:9-11). "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, MY COUNSEL SHALL STAND, and I WILL DO ALL MY PLEASURE: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executes My counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I WILL ALSO BRING IT TO PASS; I HAVE PURPOSED IT, I WILL ALSO DO IT" (Isaiah 46:9-11).

God has always worked all things after the counsel of His Own will. His plan needs no midstream adjustments, corrections, or refinements. It cannot be improved upon. It cannot be added to or detracted from. IT IS PERFECT. GOD IS PERFECT. ALL WILL TURN OUT PERFECT. WE ALL WILL BE PERFECT BECAUSE GOD WILL BE “ALL IN ALL”! I believe it. I hope you do too. Yes, God tells us that this is how He operates in ALL THE INHABITANTS OF THE EARTH! A few have been aware of God’s operation of all, down through the centuries; most however, have not. I will share these Scriptures with you next time. Robots? Nay, we are but clay (albeit ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ clay, Psalm 139:14) in the hands of the Master Potter. It is absolute blasphemy to think or teach that God is the Creator of all that is, but then takes zero responsibility for all the evils of that creation—ALL is of

23

God. Truth Number 11 When God Wants to Emphasis Something, He Repeats it Multiple Times---A PATTERN

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, says the Lord, which IS, and which WAS, and which IS TO COME, THE almighty" (Rev. 1:8). "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which WAS, and IS, and IS TO COME" (Rev. 4:8). "Jesus Christ the same YESTERDAY, and TODAY, and FOR EVER" (Hebrews 13:8). "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is NO NEW thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us." (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10). "Write the things which thou hast [HAVE PAST TENSE] seen, and the things which are [PRESENT], and the things which shall be hereafter [FUTURE] [things 'which are, were, and will be']." (Revelation 1:19). "The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition." (Revelation 17:8 & 11). "For I am the LORD, I change not." (Malachi 3:6). "God is NOT a man Who changes His mind" (1 Sam. 15:29). "For when God made promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater, He sware by Himself, Saying, 'Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.' And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise THE IMMUTABILITY [Gk: 'UNCHANGEABLE, or (neuter as abstract) inability to be changed:--immutable, immutability'] OF HIS

24

COUNSEL [Gk: 'PURPOSE, WILL'], confirmed it by an oath: that by two IMMUTABLE [Gk: 'UNCHANGEABLE, or (neuter as abstract) inability to be changed:--immutable, immutability'] things, in which it was impossible for God to lie." (Hebrews 6:13-18). "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with Whom is NO VARIABLENESS [Gk: '(NO) transmutation (or NO CHANGE, NO ALTERATION of phase or orbit), i.e. (figuratively) (NO) fickleness (NO changeability):--variableness'], neither shadow of turning [the Greek reads: 'A shading off, i.e. obscuration' & '(to turn). A turn ("trope"), i.e. revolution (figuratively variation).' Other translations read as, '... or casts shifting shadows.' (NLT); '... who does not change like shifting shadows.' (NIV); 'There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle.' (The Message); '... or turn so as to throw a shadow on anything' (Everyday American English Translation)]. Of His own will ..." (James 1:17-18). "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance [Gk: 'irrevocable (unchangeable, immutable)']." (Romans 11:29). "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." (Acts 10:34). "And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly." (Luke 20:21). "That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise ON THE EVIL AND on the good, AND sendeth rain on the just AND ON THE UNJUST." (Matthew 5:45). "... for He [God] is kind unto THE UNTHANKFUL AND to THE EVIL. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful." (Luke 6:35-36). "Therefore hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardeneth. For God hath concluded them ALL [believers and non-believers] IN UNBELIEF, that HE MIGHT HAVE MERCY ON ALL [the just and unjust, the good and the evil, saints and sinners, Christians and atheists, Jews and Gentiles]." (Romans 9:18 & Romans 11:32). "They shall perish, but Thou [GOD] SHALT ENDURE: yea, all of them [mankind, humanity] shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture SHALT THOU [GOD] CHANGE THEM, AND THEY SHALL BE CHANGED: BUT THOU ART THE SAME, and Thy years SHALL HAVE NO END."

25

(Psalms 102:26-27). "They shall perish; but THOU REMAINST [Gk: 'to stay constantly (in being or relation):--continue']; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and THEY SHALL BE CHANGED: but THOU ART THE SAME, and Thy years SHALL NOT FAIL." (Hebrews 1:11-12).

When God wants to emphasis something, He repeats it. When He really wants to emphasize something, He repeats it again. When He really, really, really wants to emphasize something, He repeats it multiple times. Jesus Christ is the BEGINNING and the END; He IS, WAS, and WILL BE. The book of Revelation is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, therefore, the book of Revelation tells us what "IS [or ARE], WAS, and WILL BE." Everything spoken to the churches "is, was, and will be." But not everything that "is, and was," "will be" eternally. Virtually everything in the Bible pertains to the ages [Greek: aions - a period of time with a beginning and an end]. All of these ages will come to an end, as will some things that are only used during eonian times or the times contained in the ages. And thus we, today, members of the Church of God of the Twenty-First Century, are to "…hear what the spirit says [not what the ‘spirit said,’ past tense only, as this is in the Greek aorist tense and is still ‘saying’ these same things to every generation] unto the churches." If you can’t or won’t see this, then you probably need read no further. If you don’t understand what I have presented, then God has not opened your mind to the spiritual understanding of this Revelation prophecy, or all of Jesus’ parables, or all of the rest of the Bible. The testimony of Jesus Christ does not change, and Christ Himself does not change, and therefore His dealings with humanity do not change, other than that there is coming a consummations of sin and death. Christ is not changed, but WE WILL BE CHANGED to conform to the Image of Jesus Christ. Truth Number 12 Whenever God and our Saviour Speaks to us, we are to BELIEVE AND OBEY!

"If any man will DO His will, he shall KNOW of [concerning] the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself" (John 7:17).

26

"But he that does truth [Gk: ‘is DOING the truth’] comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they [his ‘doings’] are wrought in God" (John 3:21). "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in ALL WISDOM and SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING: That you might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and INCREASING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD." (Col. 1:9-10). "My son, if you will receive My words, and hide [‘treasure’] My commandments with you… Then shall you understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom: out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:1, 5-6). "And we know that the Son of God is come, and [Jesus] has given us an understanding, that we may know Him [God the Father] that is True, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This [God the Father] is the True God, and eternal [eonian] life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols" (1st John 5:20-21). "And he that received seed [of the Word of God which is Jesus Christ] into the good ground [of his changing heart. 'For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow [hard callous] ground, and sow not among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest My fury come forth like (A COMSUMING LAKE OF) fire, and burn that none can quench it (put it out), because of the evil of your doings.' (Jer. 4:3-4)] is he that heareth the [spiritual] Word [of God, or obeys Christ Jesus], and understandeth it [that Christ's Words are Spiritual]; which also beareth fruit ['But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.' (Galatians 5:22-23)], and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13:23). “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If you continue in My [Jesus'] Word [Jesus IS the Word of God], then are you My [Jesus'] disciples indeed; And you shall know the Truth [Jesus IS the Truth], and the Truth [Jesus] shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). “A new commandment I [Jesus] give unto you, that you love one another; AS I [JESUS] HAVE LOVE YOU, that you also love one

27

another. By this [love] shall all men know that you are My [Jesus'] disciples, if you have love one to another.” (John 13:34-35). "Herein is [This is how] My Father [is] glorified, that ye [all of you] bear much fruit; so shall ye [all of you] be My disciples. Remember the Word that I said unto you, The servant [disciples] is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you [you disciples]; if they have kept My saying [teaching, doctrine], they will keep yours [saying, teaching, doctrine] also. Yea [Yes, Surely], and ALL that WILL LIVE GODLY [devoutly as a disciple] in Christ Jesus [in SPIRIT and TRUTH] shall suffer persecution [afflictions]." (John 15:8 & 20 & 2nd Timothy 3:12). “But whoso keeps [tereo, 'to watch or to guard (from loss or injury) by keeping the eye upon … to detain in custody'] His [Christ’s] word; in him [that person] verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in Him [Christ] ought himself also so to walk, even as He [Christ] walked.” (1st John 2:5-6). "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endures for ever [for the eon]" (Psalm 111:10).

God also warns against...

"Adding to" or "taking away from" His Word (Rev. 22:18-10). We are to rightly "divide" God’s Word (2 Tim. 2:15-18). We are to "...distinguish the things that DIFFER" (Phil. 1:10). We are to have a "PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS" (2 Tim. 1:13-14). We are to "PROVE ALL THINGS" (1 Thes. 5:21-22, 1 John 4:1-6). We are to "STRENGTHEN the things that REMAIN" (Rev. 3:2, Luke

22:32). The message must be "UNDERSTANDABLE TO ALL [believers and

non-believers] FOR THEIR EDIFICATION" (1 Cor. 14:5-9 & 23-26, 2 Cor. 3:6 & 12-13).

Also, we are to shun the "TRADITIONS OF MEN" (Col. 2:8). And the "WISDOM OF THIS WORLD" (1 Cor. 1:20 & 3:19). The Gospel we teach is not about Christ, but about "the KINGDOM OF

GOD" and "the THINGS concerning THE LORD JESUS CHRIST" (Mark 1:14-15, Acts 8:12, Acts 28:23 & 31)

Whatever we teach must be "honest, straightforward, cater NOT to a particular crowd, and teach the way of God accurately" (Luke 20:21).

Whatever we teach must "GLORIFY" God. (Luke. 2:14 & 1st Peter 4:11). Whatever we teach must not detract one iota from Christ's sacrifice for

28

all humanity. (1st Timothy 2:3-6 & 4:9-11). I have thus far presented you with hundreds of Scriptures. Do you agree with them? Do you believe them? Are you willing to DO THEM? Whenever God and our Saviour speak to us, we are to BELIEVE AND OBEY. All who have ever attempted to circumvent these spiritual truths learned were not taught of God,

"… but vain were they made in their reasonings and darkened is their unintelligent heart. Alleging themselves to be wise, they are made stupid …" (Rom. 1:21-22, Concordant Literal New Testament).

Every single person I know that has stopped growing, spiritually, begins to go backwards, loosing what light they may have possessed because they are no longer faithful to the Word and commandments of Almighty God. They all possess one or more "idols of the heart" (Ezekiel 14:3), that they will not give up or repent of. Sadly, in most cases, (even when backed into an indefensible corner with the Scriptures), it is extremely rare that such ones will acknowledge their sin and repent of their error. Over time such individuals usually become bitter, after which it is only a matter of time before Satan has them for lunch! These twelve spiritual truths are not just helpful in understanding God’s word; they are essential. Without them, you cannot understand anything spiritual in the Scriptures. To the degree that you deny or leave off one or more of them is the degree that your spiritual understanding diminishes. Apply them all, always, and you will see spiritual revelation like you never even thought possible.

"Study [use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest, do give diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavor, labor] to show thyself approved [acceptable, tried] unto God, a workman [toiler, teacher, laborer, worker] that needeth not to be ashamed [irreprehensible (blameless, faultless, flawless, immaculate, perfect, impeccable, impossible to fault, spotless)], rightly [in a straight manner, correctly, plainly, honestly, directly, uprightly] dividing [to make a straight cut, i.e. to dissect (expound) correctly] the Word of truth [(the divine message) true, truly, verity]." (2nd Timothy 2:15). "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it IS sin." (James 4:17).

Again, these are the principles I will be using to show you how God's will restore HIS PURPOSE for which He Created hip-hop FOR the Church.

29

FIVE Elements?

With that said, Paul in Ephesians chapter 4 states how Christ is going to build the Church--the Body of Christ--the Temple of God. Then he lists what we call the Five Fold Ministry.

"And He [Jesus] gave [ONLY to] some [NOT ALL 'All are not Apostles; all are not Prophets; all are not Teachers ...' (1 Cor. 12:29, Emphatic Diaglott)], [THE EQUIPPING SPIRITUAL GIFTS/OFFICES] apostles; and some [NOT ALL], prophets; and some [NOT ALL], evangelists; and some [NOT ALL], pastors and [some NOT ALL] teachers; FOR THE PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS, FOR THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY, FOR THE EDIFYING [Gk: 'architecture, structure, confirmation, BUILDING UP'] OF THE [WHOLE] BODY OF CHRIST: TILL [Gk: 'Till or until is a time word meaning--indicating the point reached, as far as, i.e. up to a certain point'] WE ALL COME IN THE UNITY OF THE FAITH, AND ['TILL WE ALL COME IN THE UNITY'] OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD UNTO A PERFECT MAN, UNTO THE MEASURE OF THE STATURE OF THE FULNESS OF CHRIST: that we henceforth [from this time forth, from now on] BE NO MORE CHILDREN [Gk: 'not speaking, i.e. an infant (minor); figuratively a simple (CARNAL)-minded person, an immature (LUKEWARM) Christian:--babe'], tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness [Gk: 'adroitness (skillfulness, nimbleness, ability, dexterity), i.e. (in a bad sense) trickery or sophistry (specifically: Jewish sophistry {LITERALISM, lack of imagination}):--(cunning) craftiness, subtlety'], whereby they [those men and their demonic doctrines] lie in wait to deceive; but SPEAKING THE TRUTH [Gk: 'to be true (in doctrine and profession):--speak (tell) the truth'] IN LOVE, may GROW UP INTO HIM [CHRIST] IN ALL THINGS, which is the Head, even Christ: from [CHRIST] whom THE WHOLE BODY FITLY JOINED TOGETHER [Gk: 'to render close-jointed together, i.e. organize compactly:--be fitly framed (joined) together'] AND COMPACTED [Gk: 'to drive together, i.e. unite (in association or affection), (mentally) to infer, show, teach:--compact, assuredly gather, intrust, knit together, prove'] BY THAT WHICH EVERY JOINT SUPPLIETH, ACCORDING TO THE EFFECTUAL WORKING IN THE MEASURE OF EVERY PART, MAKETH INCREASE OF THE [WHOLE] BODY UNTO THE EDIFYING OF ITSELF IN LOVE." (Ephesians 4:11-16).

Did you know Stephen mentions a very similar version of that list in Acts 7? 30

What he said was a physical type of the Five Fold Ministry in the OLD Testament. Here's what was written:

"Our fathers had the tabernacle [Gk: 'A tent or cloth hut (literal or figurative):--habitation, tabernacle'] of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto MOSES [the TEACHER], that he should make it [God's house/people] according to the fashion [Gk: '("type"), i.e. a model (for imitation):--example, fashion, figure, form, manner, pattern'] that he had seen. Which also our fathers that came after brought in [God's house/people] with JOSHUA [the EVANGELIST] into the possession of the Gentiles [the non-believers], whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of DAVID [the PROPHET]; who found favor before God, and desired to find a tabernacle [habitation, house/people]for the God of Jacob [Israel]. But SOLOMON [the PASTOR] built Him an house [God's people--the Church]." (Acts 7:44-47).

1. The Moses Apostle: This apostolic type has a strong emphasis on the Teaching Office.

2. The David Apostle: This apostolic type has a strong emphasis on the Prophetic Office.

3. The Joshua Apostle: This apostolic type has a strong emphasis on evangelism and revival.

4. The Solomon Apostle: The main emphasis of this apostolic type is the Pastoral Office.

I know! I know! It only mentions four names here. Believe there’s a FIFTH. Sort of like a 5th Element. His name is JOSEPH.

"And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh." (verse 13).

The Joseph Apostle: This apostolic type has a strong emphasis on the not only the Apostolic Office, but he can operate and function in ALL the other four ministries. He is a Spiritual Entrepreneur.

I'm going to go into some of the details of Joseph. But let me show you how these five men are the Five Fold Ministry, they were also types of how different apostles would function and build God's glorious End-Time Church.

Joseph and Paul

"And God SENT ME before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, 31

and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, BUT GOD [has SENT ME]: and He hath made ME A FATHER [an apostolic father] to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt." (Genesis 45:7-8).

"For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles [Gk: 'a delegate, (specifically) an ambassador of the Gospel, (officially) a commissioner of Christ {"apostle"} (with miraculous powers): apostle, messenger, HE THAT IS SENT'] last ... For though ye [all of you] have ten thousand instructors [teachers] in Christ, yet have ye [all of you] NOT MANY FATHERS: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel." (1st Corinthians 4:9 & 15).

Let's start with Joseph since he's the first recorded in history.

The Scriptures say that God,

"And God hath SET some IN THE CHURCH, FIRST [Gk: 'Firstly (in time, place, order, or importance):--before, at the beginning, chiefly, (at, at the) first (of all)'] APOSTLES ..." (1st Corinthians 12:28).

The word "set" is the Greek Word tithemi meaning "to place, appoint, ordain, put or settle." To "ordain" means "to establish or order by appointment, decree, or law."

Joseph and his brothers were symbolic for the Twelve Apostles The word"apostles" in the New Testament Greek means, "one that is SENT."

Consider the Scripture above and this Scripture concerning Joseph.

"Moreover He [GOD] called for a famine upon the land: He brake the whole staff of bread. He SENT a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: whose feet they hurt with fetters [chains]: he was laid in iron: until the time that his [prophetic] Word came: the Word of the LORD tried [refined, purged, purified] him. The king [Pharaoh] sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance: [Joseph] to bind his [Pharaoh's] princes at his [Joseph's]pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom." (Psalms 105:16-22).

Sounds like a pretty good description of an apostle huh?

The trials and tribulations that Joseph went through is the standard preparation and training that all of God's leaders and servants have to go through.

32

Now who is a good example or fulfillment in the New Testament (besides Christ) of an apostle's apostle? How about Paul? His life and Joseph's was exclusively parallel, especially in sufferings.

In this book I classify the Five Fold Ministry and Rick Warren's findings of the Five Purposes of the Church by FIVE colors. So when you see the color purple anywhere, not only in this book, but all over our ministry, it is symbolic for the apostle (of the 5 Fold) and ministry (of the 5 Purposes). Purple represents royalty, spirituality, nobility, ceremony, mystery, transformation, wisdom, enlightenment. Purple is considered an exotic color. Purple is MIC Assembly's color for the Apostle and Ministry

The apostle sets in order God's ministries and Government in the Church.

David and John

"Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore [David] BEING A PROPHET, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He [God] would raise up Christ to sit on his throne." (Acts 2:29-30).

The next character is Moses in order historically, but in the New Covenant/Testament the Prophet is set SECONDLY in the Church (1 Cor. 12:28). So who of our four characters represents the prophet, which is also can be translated as "poet"? David! David the musician, psalmist, POET was the prophet.

So David was a prophet and a patriarch or apostolic father type in the Old Testament of what God is going to do in the New Covenant End-Times Church.

Who in the New Testament is a fulfillment of the Davidic Apostle who is also a prophet? There are several, but one stands out the most.

Who were the three? Barnabas whose name in the Greek means "Son of Nabas(i.e. PROPHECY)" who became an apostle with Paul.

"Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out." (Acts 14:14).

"Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain PROPHETS and teachers; as Barnabas ... and Saul [Paul]." (Acts 13:1).

33

Then there was the prophet, Silas who also rose up to be an apostle under Paul's mentorship.

"And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them." (Acts 15:32).

"Paul [who was a teacher], and Silvanus [aka Silas who was also a prophet], and Timotheus [aka Timothy, who also was an evangelist], unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. WE [Paul, Silas and Timothy]give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in OUR [Paul's, Silas' and Timothy's] prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For neither at any time used WE [Paul, Silas and Timothy] flattering words, as ye [all of you] know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: nor of men sought WE [Paul, Silas and Timothy] glory, neither of you [sought WE: Paul, Silas and Timothy glory], nor yet [still] of others [sought WE: Paul, Silas and Timothy glory], when WE [Paul, Silas and Timothy] might have been burdensome, [WE Paul, Silas and Timothy] AS THE APOSTLES[PLURAL] OF CHRIST [None of the original Twelve apostles traveled with Paul]." (1st Thessalonians 1:1-4 & 2:5-6).

But the best one, the best fulfillment is John, the disciple whom Jesus loved. He was a prophet too you know! If you don't believe me read the bok of Revelation. John was the disciple who leaned onto Jesus' bosem where His heart was. David was also a man after God's own heart.

"And when He had removed him, He raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also He gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfill all My will." (Acts 13:22).

David rose up to be king (apostle) at age 30. He was young. Church history records that John was the youngest of the Twelve Apsotles.

In our ministry, the prophet is the color blue. And of the Five purposes of the church, it is blue that represents discipleship. Blue represents peace, tranquility, calm, stability, harmony, unity, trust, truth, confidence, conservatism, security, cleanliness, order, loyalty, sky, water, cold, technology, and depression.

What is the prophet placed with discipleship? In the Old Testament, prophets 34

traveled in groups of other prophets. A disciple means a student or learner. David's mighty men were disciples that he trained and raised up.

We are going to talk a great deal about David in this book, because I, myself have been identified by many as a Davidic Apostle.

Moses and Apollos

"For when Moses had spoken every precept [Gk: 'Injunction, i.e. an authoritative prescription:--commandment, precept'] to all the people according to the law [Gk: 'Law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), general (regulation), specific (of Moses {including the volume}), or figurative (a principle):--Law']." (Hebrews 9:19).

Paul says in 1st Corinthians 12:28 after the apostle and prophet, THIRDLY is the Teacher.

"And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, THIRDLY TEACHERS ..."

Now enter Moses, the Law Giver. It is obvious that Moses was the Old Testament type of the teaching office and ministry. He taught them everything that God would have the Children of Israel to know.

He taught them what we call today the Old Covenant (Testament). You know, the "shoulds" and "shalt nots."

How was Moses an apostle? Because God also "sent" him to represent Him to Egypt and among His people.

"Come now therefore, and I will SEND thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth My people the children of Israel out of Egypt. " (Exodus 3:10).

"He SENT Moses His servant; and Aaron whom HE HAD CHOSEN. They showed His signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham [Egypt]." (Psalm 105:26-27).

"For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I SENT before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam." (Micah 6:4).

Just like Paul, he laid out the "doctrine" of the Lord to the people.

35

Who is a good New Testament fulfillment of the Teacher type apostle? How about Apollos? Acts 18 says,

"And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and MIGHTY IN THE SCRIPTURES, came to Ephesus. This man was INSTRUCTED [Gk: 'to sound down into the ears, i.e. (by implication) to indoctrinate ("catechize {to instruct orally by means of questions and answers, especially in Christian doctrine; to question in reference to belief; to question closely; to make someone learn by teaching orally}") or (generally) to apprise of (explain, tell, describe, impart, pass on, acquaint):--inform, instruct, teach'] in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and TAUGHT [Gk: 'to learn, to teach'] diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded [explained, declared, defined] unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: for he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ ['SAVIOUR OF THE WHOLE WORLD]." (Acts 18:24-28).

How do we know that Apollos was an apostle? Because of what was recorded in 1st Corinthians chapter 4.

"Let a man so account of US [Paul and all the apostles], as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man [Paul and all the apostles] be found faithful. And THESE THINGS, brethren, I HAVE IN A FIGURE TRANFERRED [Gk: 'to apply (by accommodation)'] TO MYSELF AND TO APOLLOS for your sakes ... For I think that God hath set forth us THE APOSTLES last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men." (verses 1-2, 6, & 9).

God inspired Paul (2 Tim. 3:16) to consider Apollos an apostle like himself. There are many Scriptures that put Apollos among the main apostles, even with Peter.

"Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas [Peter]; and I of Christ." (1st Corinthians 1:12).

"For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are 36

ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom [Christ] ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." (1st Corinthians 3:4-6).

"Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas [Peter], or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's." (1st Corinthians 3:21-23).

In these three Scriptures, people were forming whole doctrines and whole church clicks (denominations) around these men. They were choosing who was the better teacher and who was the better apostle. But Paul showed that it didn't make a difference about their teaching styles and that it was about HE who SENT them. Apollos was just one who was included in this circle of favorites.

We color the teachers red in our ministry. And since red is the color usually associated with the heart or love, I've chosen red to represent fellowship. Red is the color that we pay the most attention to. It is the warmest and most energetic color in the spectrum. We associate red with love, valentines, desire, and blood.

Joshua and Phillip

"And the men, which Moses SENT to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation [church] to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land, even those men [types of evangelists] that did bring up the evil report [preached a false gospel] upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD. But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh [who both brought a GOOD report—preached the TRUE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM], which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still." (Number 14:36-38).

A lot of people argue this point, about who comes next in rank, the evangelist or the pastor? Me personally, I believe that the Scriptures shows that the evangelist comes before the pastor. Why? Because the evangelist is mentioned first before the pastor is in Ephesians 4.

Another reason I believe that the evangelist comes before the pastor is because when Paul wrote his letter to Timothy, he designated him to the work of the evangelist and part of that work was to ordain elders (pastors/bishops) in every city and church that he went.

37

In God’s Kingdom authority is always delegated downwards from the higher authority. Paul the apostle delegated authority to Timothy the evangelist to appoint elders (pastors/bishops). Do you see how the pattern goes?

I also believe that if a non-believer hasn’t been exposed to the apostle first, it should be by the evangelist bringing the gospel of the Kingdom to there hearts. And then the baton should be passed to the elders (pastors/bishops) of the local assemblies to continue feeding the new believer.

But I also believe that in the local assemblies the pastors’ authority overrides the traveling teacher, evangelist and even the prophet. Because the apostleleft charge over the local churches in the oversight of the elders to shepherd (shepherds are pastors) the churches with the aid of theses other equipping ministry offices (see Acts 20) and the deacons (see Philippians 1:1).

But then again, the word “elder” in the Greek carries the idea of “older or spiritual mature, with the Spiritual gifting of leadership and administration, etc.”

Therefore, the entire Five Fold Ministry are a ministry team of spiritual mature elders who have some kind of leadership gifting, and an understanding in the kingdom of God, the message we believe and preach, a servant’s humility, and of course the Spiritual fruit of love for God, His people—the Church, and the lost.

Sorry to get a little off track. Let’s get back to our point.

The evangelist of the Old Testament of our names that were mentioned in Acts 7 is of course Joshua.

How is he an evangelist? Remember again, that in the story of the twelve spies where Joshua and Caleb came back with a “good report.” This was a symbolic type of an evangelist preaching the “good report” or the “good news”—the Gospel of the Kingdom of God!

His “Gospel” was that we can “take the land” (Joshua 1:11). Isn’t that the heart of the Gospel OF THE KINGDOM? Taking the Kingdom by force so that the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our God and His Christ (see Matthew 11:12 and Revelation 11:15).

The name Jesus in the Greek is actually translated in our English as Joshua. Both of these names in Hebrew are Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua). But in the Hebrew there is no “J” sound, it’s a “Y” for Yehoshua or Yeshua.

That’s the function of the evangelist! Everywhere Joshua’s foot was to tread it became the children of Israel’s.

Examine these Scriptures of this truth about the evangelists.38

“Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the SOLE OF YOUR FOOT shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.”(Joshua 1:2-3).

“And the God of peace shall bruise Satan UNDER YOUR FEET shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”(Romans 16:20).

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear WITHOUT A PREACHER [Gk: ‘public crier, herald of good news, a preacher of the Gospel (that’s and EVANGELIST)’]? And how shall they preach, except they be sent [the apostles are the ones SENT. So apostles and evangelists do most of the preaching of the gospel to reach the lost]? As it is written, How beautiful are THE FEET OF THEM THAT PREACH THE GOSPEL of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:13-15).

“And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”(Ephesians 6:15).

Was not all this prophesied back in the Garden of Eden?

“And I will put enmity between thee [Satan] and the woman [symbolic for the church], and between thy seed [progenitors of vipers, children of the wicked one] and her seed [Abraham’s Seed--Christ and the children of God]; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”(Genesis 3:15).

How does the evangelist do this? By converting the enemies. In the New Covenant he goes forth, to make disciples of all nations of the land. He mobilizes the church as a type of “Salvation” Army, if you will.

God told Joshua this would happen by the “sole of his foot” as the people tread everywhere to take the land from the enemy. Is that not what the evangelist does?

In MIC Assembly Network, we will use the color green for the evangelist which is symbolic the trees in the world that God desires to plant in His new eternal Garden (better than Eden).

39

Green, one of most-often cited favorite colors. It represents nature, environment, health, blessing, renewal, youth, vigor, spring, and generosity.

And of the five purposes of the church, it is obvious that the color green would also represent evangelism.

Solomon and Peter

“… David; who found favor before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob [Israel]. But Solomon built him an house.” (Acts 7:45-47).

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter [Gk: ‘a small pebble’], and upon this [JESUS the …] ROCK [Gk: ‘a huge bolder or stone’] I will build My church; and the gates of Hades [Gk: ‘realm of the dead’] shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:18-19).

And finally, we have Solomon, which leaves us with the pastoral office and ministry.

In our Acts 7 verse it says Solomon was the one who built the temple. A majority of the church will be trained, matured, and equipped by the pastors (elders) in every local assembly of believers.

Paul and Barnabas raised up many elders. Pastors and elders always share the responsibility of building the local churches. And just for the record again, elders/pastors were always ordained IN THE PLURAL. We even in the Old Testament we see this principle.

The elders/pastors are aided in this work by the deacons (who are basically servants in the church who are being tested and trained--on-the-job--to eventually move into the Five Fold Ministry). A good example of this is Stephenand Philip. They both went on to be evangelists. They both started out as deacons with the other Seven, as they were called.

Back to Solomon. He was pastoral because he was among the people. He made himself accessible. He brought peace to the church. He brought wisdom to the church. He was also a type of apostle too.

A great example of a pastoral apostle in the New Testament is Peter. Peter wrote in his first letter that he considered himself an elder (pastor) with the

40

other elders.

"The elders [Gk: 'spiritually mature with leadership and administrative gifting'] which are AMONG YOU [not as an apostle, but as an elder] I exhort [encourage], [Peter the APOSTLE] who [I, Peter] AM ALSO AN ELDER, and a witness of the sufferings [Gk: 'Something undergone, i.e. hardship or pain; subjectively an emotion or influence:--affection, affliction, motion, suffering'] of Christ, and also a partaker [Gk: 'A sharer, i.e. associate:--companion, × fellowship, partaker, partner'] of the glory [Gk: 'Glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literally or figuratively, objectively or subjectively):--dignity, glory, glorious, honor, praise, worship'] that shall be revealed [Gk: 'To take off the cover, i.e. disclose:--reveal']: Feed [Gk: 'To tend as a shepherd (or figuratively supervisor), PASTOR'] the flock [Gk: '(figuratively) group (of believers), church] of God which is AMONG YOU [not as an elder, but as being a sheep as part of the flock], taking the oversight [Gk: 'To oversee; implication to beware:--look diligently, take the oversight'] thereof [of the church], not by constraint [Gk: 'compulsorily (by force, forcibly, against your will, under protest), by constraint (control), by necessity (requirement, obligation, stipulation), to compel (coerce, to twist the arm), by distress (pain, suffering, sorrow, agony, misery, grief, anguish)'], but willingly [Gk: 'voluntary (unpaid, charitable, intended, intentional, deliberate), willfully (knowingly, on purpose), willingly (freely, eagerly, happily, readily, enthusiastically, gladly, cheerfully).' 'Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.' (2 Cor. 9:7)]; not for filthy lucre [Gk: 'unjust, sordid (disgusting, low, dirty, foul, distasteful, grimy, grubby), personal gain or profits'], but of a ready mind [cheerfully];neither as being lords [Gk: 'To lord against, i.e. control, subjugate:--exercise dominion over (lordship), be lord over, overcome'--like the Gentiles] over God's heritage, but being ensamples [Gk: 'A die (as struck), i.e. (implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy a shape, i.e. a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specifically a sampler ("type"), i.e. a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning):--example, fashion, figure, form, manner, pattern, print'] to the flock. And when the chief [Gk: '(Properly abstract) a commencement, or (concrete) chief (in various applications of order, time, place or rank):--beginning, corner, (at the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule'] Shepherd [Gk: 'A head shepherd, Chief shepherd:--a shepherd (literal or figurative), SENIOR pastor'] shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." (1st Peter 5:1-4).

Another example is the Apostle James. Not John's brother who was killed by Herod, but the Lord's brother (according to the flesh) who wrote the book of James. He was a pastor overseeing the Jerusalam saints. He was the leading

41

elder at the Acts 15 conference.

We use the color gold or yellow to signify the pastoral ministry and the purpose of worship. Yellow represents joy, happiness, optimism, idealism, imagination, hope, sunshine, summer, gold, spirituality and inspiration.

Because remember when Solomon finished the temple and and he had the ark (symbolic for God's presence--the holy Spirit) brought back into the temple. It says,

"It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God. Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that He would dwell in the thick darkness. But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever. And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel stood. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who hath with His hands fulfilled that which he spake with His mouth to my father David, saying, Since the day that I brought forth My people out of the land of Egypt I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build an house in, that My name might be there; neither chose I any man to be a ruler over My people Israel: but I have chosen Jerusalem, that My name might be there; and have chosen David to be over My people Israel. Now it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel. But the LORD said to David my father, Forasmuch as it was in thine heart to build an house for My name, thou didst well in that it was in thine heart: notwithstanding thou shalt not build the house; but thy son which shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house for My name." (2nd Chronicles 5:13-14; 6:1-9).

These verses alone should be enough proof to show that Solomon was a physical type of the New Testament pastor.

So let's end with our two Scriptures showing the Old and New of the Five Fold Ministry.

The OLD:

"And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; 42

and Joseph's [the APOSTLE] kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto MOSES [the TEACHER], that he should make it [God's house/people] according to the fashionthat he had seen. Which also our fathers that came after brought in [God's house/people] with JOSHUA [the EVANGELIST] into the possession of the Gentiles [the non-believers], whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of DAVID [the PROPHET]; who found favor before God, and desired to find a tabernacle [habitation, house/people] for the God of Jacob [Israel]. But SOLOMON [the PASTOR] built Him an house [God's people--the Church]." (Acts 7:13, 44-47).

The NEW:

"And He [Jesus] gave some APOSTLES; and some, PROPHETS; and some, EVANGELISTS; and some, PASTORS and [some] teachers; FOR THE PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS, FOR THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY, FOR THE EDIFYING [Gk: 'architecture, structure, confirmation, BUILDING UP'] OF THE [WHOLE] BODY OF CHRIST: TILL [Gk: 'Till or until is a time word meaning--indicating the point reached, as far as, i.e. up to a certain point'] WE ALL COME IN THE UNITY OF THE FAITH, AND ['TILL WE ALL COME IN THE UNITY'] OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD UNTO A PERFECT MAN, UNTO THE MEASURE OF THE STATURE OF THE FULNESS OF CHRIST: that we henceforth [from this time forth, from now on] BE NO MORE CHILDREN, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness lie in wait to deceive; but SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE, may GROW UP INTO HIM [CHRIST] IN ALL THINGS, which is the Head, even Christ: from [CHRIST] whom THE WHOLE BODY FITLY JOINED TOGETHER AND COMPACTED BY THAT WHICH EVERY JOINTSUPPLIETH, ACCORDING TO THE EFFECTUAL WORKING IN THE MEASURE OF EVERY PART, MAKETH INCREASE OF THE [WHOLE] BODY UNTO THE EDIFYING OF ITSELF IN LOVE." (Ephesians 4:11-16).

The Fifth Element

Now that last section I know was a little off the subject of hip-hop. But I wanted to show you a pattern of the number 5. A lot of times the number 5 in the Bible is symbolic for the holy Spirit working through man.

43

Here are some examples:

The Five Purposes of the Church:

1. Worship2. Fellowship3. Discipleship4. Ministry5. Evangelism

The Five Fold Ministry:

1. Apostle2. Prophet3. Teacher4. Evangelist5. Pastor

The number 5 can be used in tens too. The day the holy Spirit fell on man was called PENTA-cost. It was 50 days later the Spirit cam on man and the church was born.

In the story of Elijah, as he sat and prayed for it to rain. A sign was sent to him by God. It was ...

"... a little cloud out of the sea, LIKE A MAN'S HAND. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not." (1st Kings 18:44).

A hand has five fingers. It was symbolic that Christ would pour out His Spirit like rain upon mankind. And by the Spirit the gifts of the Five Fold Ministry would bring God's special blessings upon the Church.

A good analogy of this is I found in a book I read by Wolfgang Simson called The House Church Book. In chapter 4, it has this description of the Five Fold Ministry, (pg 64):

The Five Fingers of the Hand

"For a hands-on picture, let us compare the five-fold ministry with the five fingers of the hand. The Apostle is the thumb. He gives stability, holds the counterbalance, and can literally touch all the other fingers. The Prophet is the index finger; he points at you and says: 'You are the man (or woman)!' The Evangelist is the Middle Finger, who is the longest of all, and sticking furthest

44

out into the world. The ring finger resembles the Pastor/Shepherd, caring for internal relationships. The little finger is the Teacher: he can worm his way and his teaching deep into any ear, and there share the gospel."

Five Smooth Stones

Another good analogy I saw by personal revelation of God was when David (symbolic of Christ) takes FIVE smooth stones (the Five Fold Ministry made smooth by the Potter's hands) to fight Goliath (symbolic for Satan and his kingdom).

It's interesting that it only took ONE stone to actually kill the giant. And the first stone layed in the Church after Christ--the Chief Cornerstone--is the Apostle. There might be a message in that. I don't know. Maybe I will dig into that another time.

Now what does all this have ti do with Hip-Hop? Consider the so called "4 Pillars of hip-hop." Many of us know them. But for those who don't they are listed as,

1. The MC/emcee2. The DJ3. The B-Boy (break dancer)4. The Graffit Artist

Many other have added a fifth element to this list and they all vary. So not many of them agree what should be the fifth. And most doen't even acknowledge that their is a fifth though it's been there from the beginning.

But God spoke to me and said the 5th Element is the producer. And in my spirit I was like, "How did we miss that? The producers/beat makers have always been a foundation in the hip-hop music culture."

So I'd like to conclude that the 5th Element or "pillar" to hip-hop is the beat maker. Because without him (or her) their is no music.

What I think happened is that many considered the DJ to be the producer/beatmaker since he did do all the beats back in the days. But as the mainstream started to be emphemsized, the music industry kind of found no use for the DJ, besides radio shows, undergound mixtapes, and spinning records in the club.

But in the last 10 years the DJ has made a comeback, especially in the mixtape arena and in underground circuits. I've seen a lot of artists going back to the MC and DJ collaboration albums.

45

A good example from back in the days would be,

DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince (Will Smith for you young bucks)Rakim & Erik BRun DMC,

That's just to name a few.

So in hip-hop these five elements are like the Five purposes of the church and the Five Fold Ministry. Which we will cover later in the chapters ahead.

46